What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hint: Your new favorite moisturizing essence

Hyaluronic Acid - what does this hard-to-pronounce (much less spell out) ingredient do? It is the key to smooth, flawless, moisturized skin that keeps environmental damage such as UV rays, damaging free-radicals at bay. It is also an important foundation to keep skin looking youthful as a great moisturizing skin care regimen helps to keep fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles at bay.

Many skin care conscious shoppers have probably heard about the skin-plumping benefits of hyaluronic acid — one stroll down the beauty aisle and you'll see the popular ingredient listed in moisturizers, serums, facial mists — you name it. The beauty industry is seemingly obsessed with hyaluronic acid, as it promises to moisturize our skin and has anti-aging benefits — sign us up! But what exactly is hyaluronic acid and how does it work?

The following video, with thanks to POPSUGAR, breaks down how hyaluronic acid works: